Patients invited to share their views about Procedures of Lower Clinical Value

on 02 February 2016.

The NHS in Birmingham and Solihull would like to talk to patients about Procedures of Lower Clinical Value (PLCV).

PLCV refers to procedures that are of value, but only in the right circumstances. This is to ensure patients receive appropriate health treatment, based on the latest clinical evidence and national guidance. Some treatments under PLCV include procedures such as removal of tonsils, cataract surgery, liposuction, and hip and knee replacement surgery.

The Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), who are responsible for buying health services for people in Birmingham and Solihull, are reviewing the clinical criteria for 21 policies to ensure they are consistent.

The survey is being carried out to ensure that patients are treated fairly across Birmingham and Solihull; currently there are differences between areas.

Dr Waris Ahmad, a local GP and spokesperson on behalf of the PLCV project group, said: “We want to ensure that patients have the same opportunity to access these procedures regardless of which GP they see, or which hospital they attend across Birmingham or Solihull.

“As well developing policies that are up-to-date and include the latest national clinical guidance, we also want people to ensure that local public, patients and clinicians have the opportunity to be informed and comment on this work.”